SCC to get overview of USDA- RD business, energy programs

USDA Rural Development will be the guest speaker at the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s general monthly membership meeting on Wednesday, March 4, 2015. Anthony Barcinas, Community & Business Program specialist, will provide an overview of Rural Development’s Business and Energy Programs that are available to businesses in the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.

Rural Development’s programs available to assist businesses in the CNMI include the Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Rural Business Enterprise Grant, and the Intermediary Relending Program. Programs specifically targeted for agriculture producers include the Value-Added Producer Grant and the Small Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant Programs.

“The time is ripe for small businesses and farmers in the CNMI to become aware of investment capital resources available,” said Barcinas. “We want to assist businesses to create jobs and expand their operations by investing in materials and equipment while promoting their success and growth.”

The Chamber’s general membership meeting is open to the public at a cost of $30 for non-members ($20/members). The buffet luncheon begins at 11:30am, and the membership meeting starts at noon at Charley’s Restaurant, Pacific islands Club. The USDA workshop will be held immediately after the luncheon, starting at 1pm. 

“This workshop is an exciting opportunity for the business community to learn about the various grants and loans available to enhance local businesses,” said Chamber executive director Jill Arenovski. “Hosting the USDA workshop directly after the membership meeting is convenient for attendees.”

Also speaking at the Chamber’s luncheon meeting is Oscar Camacho, loan manager at the Commonwealth Development Authority. Camacho will address the funding and availability of the current loan program.

“From new police cars to help developing alternative sources of energy, our community has benefited significantly from programs administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP). “Mr. Barcinas and his colleague Joe Diego in Guam and the Hawaii State Director Chris Kanazawa in Hawaii are doing an excellent job improving community awareness of the programs they manage and, by doing so, helping to bring more federal funding to the Northern Mariana Islands.”

In addition to the presentation to the Chamber, Barcinas will conduct a workshop on the Rural Energy for America Program in the afternoon. Rural Development is making more than $280 million available to eligible applicants through REAP. Application deadlines vary by project type and the type of assistance requested.

Rural Development is offering grants for up to 25 percent of total project costs and loan guarantees for up to 75 percent of total project costs for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

Since 2009, USDA has awarded $545 million for more than 8,800 REAP projects nationwide. This includes $361 million in REAP grants and loans for more than 2,900 renewable energy systems. When fully operational, these systems are expected to generate more than 6 billion kilowatt hours annually—enough to power more than 5.5 million homes for a year. (USDA)